Gravel Driveway Repair in Kensington, NH

KENSINGTON — After 12 years of providing the community with fresh food, friendly animals and a welcoming atmosphere, the Farm at Eastman’s Corner made the decision to close its doors for good on Feb. 15.

The farm, owned by the Lewis family, released a letter thanking the community for its support and explaining their decision to close.

“Throughout our years in business and philanthropy, our family has also grown accustomed to making hard decisions when faced with the facts,” the letter signed by Harriet, Charlotte and Edward Lewis reads. “Today, we are heartbroken to announce that we will close the Farm at Eastman’s Corner. We have struggled to make it a financially sustainable mission-driven organization.”

Harriet and the late Alan Lewis opened the farm in 2013 after purchasing the property at 267 South Road as well as 244 Amesbury Road across the road.

“They didn’t want another chain coffee shop, fast food restaurant or strip mall on that spot,” the letter states.

Instead, the dream was to create a space where families could convene and spend the day, while simultaneously supporting local farmers.

In addition to the farm, the Lewis family gifted to the town of Kensington a 35-acre town park with ballfields and opened the Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting leaders in philanthropy and conservation. The foundation is housed on a 600-acre piece of land with 10 miles of trails, wildlife habitats, unique sculptures, and meeting places for charitable leaders to come together.

Lewis, known as a philanthropist, conservationist and business leader, died in 2022.

“We take a measure of comfort knowing that shortly before he passed in November 2022, Alan had reached the same conclusion, that the Farm could not continue to operate as it was,” the letter states. “We hoped if we made some more changes, and if the winds of fortune shifted a bit more in our favor, we could make it work. We tried our best, and we couldn’t make it work.”

Many residents commented on Facebook, noting they were sad to see the establishment close.

One of the farm’s greatest attributes, they noted, was its delicious, farm-fresh meals served all day. The café offered a comfortable lounge to dine in, beautiful outdoor tables, and even a heated, covered porch.

The market was also always stocked with high-quality items including maple syrup, raw milk, cheese, eggs, Kensington-harvested honey, pasture-raised beef, chicken and pork, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

In the summer, the farm offered the chance to pick fresh blueberries from the fields. It also hosted live music and events for families to enjoy. The animal barn was a family favorite, built by the Seacoast School of Technology. The barn included Nigerian Dwarf goats, two Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, and a group of New Hampshire Red hens, known as "Cluckingham Palace."

The Lewis family said they hope the Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation will take over the property.

“Alan taught us to aim high and miss high. It is bittersweet to acknowledge that sometimes your dreams don’t come fully true, as with the Farm at Eastman’s Corner,” states the letter. “But we are sure glad we tried and are very proud we were able to provide a special gathering place for nearly 12 years.”

KENSINGTON - Alnoba, a unique destination for art and nature lovers, has opened its ticketing for 2022 events

Long a hidden gem of the Seacoast, the secret of Alnoba has started to come out — that hidden in the forests of Kensington is a 600-acre oasis of natural beauty dotted with sculptures by some of the most renowned artists working today.

The Alnoba property is closed to the public, as the property is a working leadership development center and meeting space, but those hoping to experience its artistic treasures can do so through Alnoba’s scheduled tours and events.

The 2022 events season kicked off officially on Feb.1, and features a full slate of art tours, nature walks, meditation walks and yoga classes throughout the year. And just as in 2021, every penny of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to support Sawyer Park, a cherished public recreation area in Kensington.

“Last year, we donated over $30,000 to the park thanks to our guests,” said Sandra Fogwell, who manages Alnoba’s programming. “We’re hoping to double that in 2022.”

Alnoba’s guided outdoor art tours offer visitors an opportunity to touch and explore pieces by internationally famed artists such as Andy Goldsworthy, Pablo Atchugarry and Jaume Plensa. Run your fingers over the lobster rope coils of Orly Genger’s "Going Going Gone" or get lost in the willow-branch maze of Patrick Dougherty’s "Wildwood."

A special series of tours led by New Hampshire sculptor Joseph Gray, also kicking off in February, will grant visitors the opportunity to hear about Alnoba's art firsthand from one of the artists who helped to create it. Gray has more pieces scattered across Alnoba’s landscape than any other artist, and peppers his tours with insights and anecdotes that illuminate his creative process.

Those looking to mix their art with an exploration of Alnoba's beautiful landscape can book one of the Outdoor & Unplugged nature walks, while others seeking a more contemplative and introspective experience will love the Contemplative Meditation Walks, guided by Manny Muros, author of "The Mind Overlay."

In addition to its regular event series, Alnoba also plays host to unique special events around both leadership and the arts.

This year will see Manchester-based dance troupe Ballet Misha return to Alnoba on Friday, May 13, this time for an evening event inside Alnoba's AIA NH award-winning building. Improvisational ballet will meld with independent film and an exploration of Alnoba's indoor art in this special collaborative experience.

Earlier in the season, Alnoba will host a set of intimate writing workshops with bestseller author Adrea Peters, aimed at both aspiring writers and those looking to improve their personal storytelling.

"Alnoba is a very special place that invites all of us to forge a deeper connection with the natural world. We were founded to support and inspire the daring nonprofit leaders taking on the biggest fights for a better world, but are excited to create these opportunities for others across the region to experience this unique and introspective hidden gem on the Seacoast," said Fogwell.

Those interested in seeing a full schedule of Alnoba’s upcoming events can browse and book tickets at Alnoba.org/Events.